RACA Journal November 2023 | Page 14

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Events and Exhibitions

BITZER SA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN HVAC & R

Collated by Cold Link Africa .
On Friday 15 September , BITZER South Africa , a well-known name in the HVAC & R industry , marked an incredible milestone – its 30th Anniversary .
The Royal Cape Yacht Club was an ideal setting for the celebration .
Photos supplied by John Ackerman | Cold Link Africa
Ladies from the BITZER team ( left to right ) Patty
Evans , Jo-anne Dietrich and
Minky Mgwele ( organiser of the celebration ).

The celebration was held at the Royal Cape Yacht Club , nestled within the scenic beauty of Cape Town ' s harbour . Cold Link Africa had the privilege of attending the event , and what an occasion it was .

The beer festival-themed celebration was a fitting tribute to BITZER ' s German heritage , and it provided an opportunity for their staff , strategic partners , clients and end users to come together , unwind and commemorate three decades of excellence .
Torsten Steinborn , BITZER South Africa ' s managing director , delivered an inspiring speech , expressing his gratitude to their many valued customers and partners . He said , " We would like to thank our valued customers for your continuous support of the BITZER brand , both in South Africa and across our borders , within your projects . It is because of you that we keep growing and are an essential part of the local HVAC & R industry ."
Reflecting on BITZER South Africa ' s journey , Jose Marques , who joined BITZER SA on 1 September 1993 , and was also celebrating his 30 years with the company , spoke about how the BITZER South Africa journey all began in June 1993 when Theo van Driel established the South African offices with its headquarters in Cape Town . This move , as part of BITZER ' s global expansion , aligned with the vision of Schaufler , BITZER ' s founder , to transform BITZER into an international player .
At the inception of BITZER South Africa , their semi-hermetic compressors were relatively unknown in the market , especially in the semi-hermetic sector . While there were many BITZER compressors in operation , they were primarily open reciprocating compressors of the No . 0-VII type , predominantly used in farm milk tanks , and were supplied by Refrigeration Agencies .
From the outset , BITZER South Africa faced the challenge of introducing and gaining acceptance for semi-hermetic compressors in their markets . But , with a deep understanding of the compressor market , the team at BITZER South Africa navigated these challenges and steadily grew to become South

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RACA Journal I November 2023 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za